What is Cheaper to Cook With, LPG or Induction? Achal Sridharan, founder of CovaiCare retirement communities in Coimbatore, highlighted the growing reliance on electric cooking equipment amid a nationwide shortage of LPG cylinders. He noted that while the transition to induction stoves may involve higher initial costs, it is becoming a necessity for survival in the current crisis. “Yes, the costs will be slightly higher, but we need to manage that,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of adapting to alternative cooking methods. The inefficiency of LPG remains a key factor in its higher cost compared to induction. A gas flame loses nearly 60% of its heat to the surrounding air, leaving only about 40% of the energy usable for cooking. In cities like Delhi, a non-subsidised LPG cylinder weighing 14.2 kg currently costs around ₹913. In contrast, an induction stove, which uses magnetism to heat the vessel directly, achieves approximately 90% efficiency. To replicate the energy output of one full LPG cylinder, an induction stove requires about 78 units of electricity. At a residential electricity rate of ₹8 per unit, this amounts to a monthly cost of ₹624, saving nearly ₹300 compared to gas. In Tamil Nadu, where the first 100 units of electricity are free for residences, the savings could be even greater. However, switching to induction cooking involves upfront expenses. A basic induction cooktop typically ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000, similar to the price of a mid-range gas stove. Users also need to invest in induction-compatible cookware, such as stainless steel or cast iron pans with flat bottoms, which can cost several thousand rupees for a complete set.#coimbatore #achal_sridharan #covai_care #jegan_damodarasamy #sree_annapoorna_sree_gowrishankar_hotels
